Does Bamboo have to be strictly labeled as a Vernacular??

[aldolandwehr]

Are we really looking at this material in serious way? Are we considering the bamboo's potential or just as a local material and/or your typical decorative element facing probably some of the worst ecological disasters. Is it the age old stigma of bamboo being too "beachy", that we as travelers/ consumers experience by the ocean in Tiki huts with our umbrella drinks?? Its trend?

I believe we have yet to discover the potential of this warm and incredibly versatile material. Its combining high and low tech, considering art, design and architectural history, its not giving up because its too hard. The fact we run when we hit the first obstacle and take the easiest route is completely innate in human nature. For instance, completely off the subject, the laminating and finishing bamboo products with chemical and petroleum products because the market suggests that its the best product or that 'why scratch your head and wonder... we've already figured it out for you'...is ridiculous.

Here we can take that same material, treat it against termites with a natural borax solution and use traditional techniques developed 1000 years ago like the bamboo pin, and are still be able to present ourselves as contemporary in concept and design. This is my mantra.

I don't understand why we can take something as pure as bamboo and juxtapose it with the synthetic elements found at a hardware store because its a means to an end. I implore those who take time and consider their options and create original techniques and methods with Bamboo architecture and Bamboo Furniture making. it doesn't have to be the vernacular we expect it to be.

Back to the topic at hand. Why is bamboo still in a box? why have we bracketed this material and subconsciously placed it a world of its own? Perhaps because it is and still to be understood. Please comment if you have any thoughts. thanks,

ALDO LANDWEHR
Creative Director

PT Bambu

Sibang Kaja, Banjar Saren
Abiansemal, Badung 80352
Bali, Indonesia
Skype: aldolandwehr
websites: ptbambu.com
greenschool.org

aldosculpture.com
artmesh.net (aldolandwehr)

[djswan]

It's not vernacular in my area.

I take all material seriously, it's my job. I would consider bamboo, but we have plenty of trees and straw too. "Beachy as a stigma might not apply all the time, but that fact is bamboo is a very effective material in "beachy" areas, and does make a pina colada taste that much better. The trend is towards "green", and if bamboo fits that label and finds a market, all the better.

Do you have to apply a sealing coat after the borax treatment? I heard air dissolves borax solutions.

Don't worry about what is in or out of the box, that is becoming an old cliche.

[aldolandwehr]

I am so far out of the box I'm in someone else's.. haha i just wondered if people are taking this material as seriously on a higher level then just for vernacular architecture and tiki huts.. we love it and wanted to instigate a discussion on how codes can be pasted and this material accepted as a building material not just a trend... like they have in Hawaii (Vietnamese species).

Borax does not dissolve by air but can leach out when exposed to rain. not coating necessary but there are some completely environmentally friendly top coats that can protect bamboo when exposed to the elements. Also some 100% eco solutions... which require a little bit of maintenance but can extend the life and beauty of the bamboo.

thanks for your reply.

[djswan]

the borax conversations I heard here, but am feeling to lazy to search for specifics.

http://www.forestryforum.com/board/index.php

Outside the blob thinking may be better suited for us.

I love bamboo, but have yet to apply it, other than pins for strawbale. I should go to school and learn more about it, perhaps.